Senate could seat MLK successor prior to King Day
One of the carry-over ironies of 2020 will be revealed this week when runoff elections in Georgia decide two senate seats and the future of the political landscape in America.
Democrats are betting that their candidate Raphael Warnock will claim majority votes over millionaire Kelly Loeffler. A victory will also inscribe an historic feat two weeks before the first national holiday celebrations.
Warnock, a preacher is the fifth senior pastor to serve at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the institution Drs. Martin Luther King Sr. and Jr. advocated Civil Rights.
From the same pulpit the Nobel Peace Prize winner preached empowering sermons before he was assassinated April 1968, Warnock nurtured a dream to political leadership.
Since Nov. 3, the southerner has been winning notices from press, public figures and even the first Black president Barack Obama who has campaigned on his behalf to convince Georgians that he is the most viable candidate to represent the state in the senate.
Warnock is up against millionaire Kelly Loeffler who reportedly has used $23 million of her own money to win the seat.
President Donald Trump believes a win for Loeffler could salvage his deteriorating legacy and has cleared his calendar on the eve of the election to boost her candidacy.
On the same day, the 117th Congress accepted the oath of office, Sunday the outgoing president pleaded with Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s secretary of state to “find” 11, 780 votes he believes could upend the results of former vice president Joe Biden’s landslide victory.
The president said he will further his bid to claim fraud in Georgia by campaigning for the Republican ticket prior to the Jan. 5 run-off.
Democrat Jon Ossoff is also waging a fierce campaign to join the winner’s circle this week. If Ossoff beats Republican David Perdue, the senate majority would flip to a Joe Biden White House dominance.
VIRTUAL BAM TRIBUTE SLATES ACTUAL TRADITIONAL KING ANNUAL
It took 15 years to realize the third Monday in January as a national holiday dedicated to the legacy of Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Signed into law Nov. 3, 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, a bill legislated the milestone achievement progressive Americans lobbied to secure.
Although marches, ecumenical services, parades and community clean-up events have annually celebrated the southern Baptist preacher, the Brooklyn Academy of Music continues to take deep bows for hosting one of the most diverse and largest tributes in the nation.
This year, with pandemic restrictions in place, the 35th annual event will be presented online with virtual showcases of the usual unrivaled honor.
Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network is the keynote speaker for the Jan. 18 presentation of Brooklyn’s Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The 35th annual celebration will be digitally streamed free, live at www.bam.org beginning at 11 am.
In addition to Garza’s predictably poignant message, rhythm and blues artist PJ Morton, BAM artist resident Timothy DuWhite, spoken word talent, Ashley August, Bangas lead vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball, and Vy Higgensen” Sing Harlem! Choir will add to the jollification, revelry, music, poetry, praise, pride and Brooklyn tradition unique to “the annual celebration which unites “artists, activists, activists, civic leaders and the public for a communal commemoration and reflection on the life and legacy of Dr. King.”
While the added attractions often delight patrons, more often than not the most anticipated and consistent aspects are the messages from Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlayne, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and other elected officials from the city council, state legislature and congress.
New York’s senior Sen. Charles Schumer can be relied on to recite Dr. King’s prolific “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”
It is his defining and annual message delivered after he updates audiences about the state of affairs in Washington.
The democrat has only missed a single tribute in the 35-year history of the oldest celebration to honor the activist/preacher. The year he was absent was 2012 when he chaired inaugural activities in Washington D.C. marking the second term of President Barack Obama.
Following the tribute, the 1972 directed “Nationtime” film by William Greaves will be screened.
Due to the usual high demand, RSVPs are required for the free, virtual presentation.
Log into www.bam.org for limited tickets.
“Let Freedom Ring” will spotlight another phenomenal art exhibition.
Catch You On The Inside!
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